Informal recycling and resource recovery at a municipal open dumpsite : a case study of Hulene dumpsite.
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Date
2001
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Abstract
Poverty in its many guises - poor housing, no employment, indifferent health and
hunger is a driving force for scavenging. In most developing countries, the
informal recovery of material from waste is a common survival strategy for the
poor. In fact, up to 2% of populations in developing countries depend on
recovering, re-using and selling waste materials from streets, dumpsite or
landfills for their livelihood.
The aim of this study was to develop an understanding of the socio-economic
conditions affecting the scavengers and scavenging activities at the Hulene
dumpsite in Maputo. This study set out to develop a conceptual framework
depicting scavenging, its problems and opportunities. This was used to structure
the research. The main issues addressed were:
• The driving forces of scavenging where poverty is the major factor.
• The organization of scavengers and scavenging activities showing that there
is no formal organization of scavengers, which leads to exploitation of vulnerable groups.
• The reaction from the national and local authorities, with the prevalence of a repressive policy and absence of support.
• The gender dimension on scavenging activities; and
• The perception of health risks.
The findings are that scavenging constitutes a means of livelihood for poor
people. These activities respond to the market demand and not to environmental
considerations. However, in performing scavenging activities which results in
informal recycling and resources recovery, people generate environmental benefits, economic benefits and social benefits. Other findings are that the informal organization of scavengers increases the
exploitation and the health risk of scavengers. Thus, organization is a key to the
success of scavengers and indirectly to the municipal economy.
It is concluded that the framework set out in this thesis is useful in the sense that
it illustrates the factors which influence scavenging activities. This framework can
be used for further research in similar situations. It is also concluded that
prohibition of scavenging activities would have undesirable consequences for the
economy of Maputo in particular and of Mozambique in general. Thus, since this
activity brings benefits to scavengers and to society, the government should
support and stimulate this activity and not persecute those who provide this
service. Consequently, as a recommendation, government, local communities
and NGOs are called upon to support scavengers. The formation of scavenger
co-operatives can promote sustainable grassroots development in this sector of
the population.
Description
Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-Unversity of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001.
Keywords
Ragpickers., Ragpickers--Mozambique., Maputo (Mozambique)--Social conditions., Poverty--Mozambique., Poverty--Economic aspects., Refuse and refuse disposal--Mozambique., Salvage (Waste, etc.)--Mozambique., Theses--Environmental science.